Rural-urban migration has been a defining trend in Ghana over recent decades, shaping the country’s demographic, economic, and social landscape. This migration is particularly concentrated in major urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale, with Accra being the most significant hub. As of the latest available data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), approximately 57% of Ghana’s population now resides in urban areas, a sharp increase from around 44% in 2000. This growing trend of urbanization is largely driven by rural dwellers seeking better economic opportunities, improved social services, and a higher quality of life in cities. Among the most prominent outcomes of this migration is the rise of street hawking, an informal trade that has become an essential part of the urban economy.
Rural-urban migration in Ghana is primarily driven by several push and pull factors. Rural areas are often economically constrained, with agriculture being the dominant sector. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, climate change impacts, and inadequate access to markets significantly limit agricultural productivity. According to the World Bank, nearly 50% of the population in rural areas rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, but many farmers are struggling with declining yields due to environmental factors and a lack of modern farming techniques. This makes rural dwellers more vulnerable to poverty and drives them toward urban centers in search of better economic opportunities. Furthermore, many rural communities have limited access to quality education and healthcare, which also encourages families to migrate in hopes of securing better prospects for their children.
Urban centres such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi offer the promise of higher wages, more diverse employment opportunities, and better social services, which are major pull factors. As of 2020, the population of Accra was estimated at over 2.2 million, making it the largest city in the country and a major magnet for migrants. The concentration of economic activity in these cities, including trade, industry, and services, presents a wide range of opportunities for those seeking to improve their standard of living. However, the rapid growth of urban populations, particularly in informal sectors, has resulted in the rise of street hawking as a critical component of the urban economy.
Street hawking in Accra and other major cities has become an essential livelihood for many migrants, especially those who have limited access to formal employment opportunities or the capital to start a registered business. With low barriers to entry and no requirement for formal education or licensing, street vending allows individuals to engage in economic activities quickly. According to estimates from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), over 100,000 people engage in street hawking in Accra alone, with many of them being recent rural migrants. These hawkers sell a wide variety of goods, from foodstuffs to clothing and electronics, catering to both local residents and the many tourists who visit the city.Â
While street hawking offers a means of survival, it also brings significant challenges. Many street vendors operate without the protection of formal labour laws, leaving them vulnerable to eviction, harassment, and even violence from law enforcement. The Ghana Police Service and local authorities regularly conduct “decongestion exercises” aimed at removing street hawkers from high-traffic areas. These operations often result in the confiscation of goods and a loss of income for hawkers. For example, in 2018, the AMA carried out several operations to clear hawkers from central locations in Accra, such as Circle, Osu, Madina and Kantamanto. These efforts highlight the tension between the growth of informal economic activities and the need for urban order and infrastructure.
In addition to legal challenges, street hawkers face significant health and safety risks. They are often exposed to harsh weather conditions, including intense heat and rain, and must work in high-traffic areas where the risk of accidents is elevated. A study by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) found that many hawkers in Accra reported frequent injuries due to road accidents and the unsafe working environment. Moreover, the lack of access to social protection systems, such as healthcare, pensions, or workers’ compensation, means that hawkers are at risk if they fall ill or suffer accidents. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in a country where public healthcare services are often strained.
Income instability is another major issue for street hawkers. The informal nature of street vending means that earnings can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the season, economic conditions, and government interventions. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2019 highlighted that while some street vendors can earn substantial daily income, others struggle to make ends meet. For instance, a typical street vendor in Accra may earn between GHS 30 and GHS 60 (roughly USD 5 to USD 10) per day, but these figures can vary widely depending on the type of goods sold, the location of the stall, and the day of the week.
To address these challenges, the Ghanaian government has attempted to implement policies aimed at managing urban growth and regulating the informal economy. One such initiative is the creation of designated markets and trading zones to relocate street hawkers from busy streets to more controlled environments. However, these measures have faced significant challenges, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and resistance from vendors who are often reluctant to move to new locations due to higher costs or concerns over reduced customer traffic. Despite these setbacks, some improvements have been made, such as the redevelopment of markets in Accra, including the construction of the Kaneshie Market Complex and the completion of the Agbogbloshie Market redevelopment project.Â
The government has also sought to address the root causes of rural-urban migration by focusing on rural development. Programmes aimed at modernizing agriculture, improving infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities in rural areas are part of the effort to reduce the pressure on urban centers. However, these initiatives have yet to yield widespread results, and migration to cities remains a dominant trend. The 2021 Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) found that the rate of migration from rural to urban areas continues to rise, with more than 3 million people moving to urban areas between 2000 and 2010 alone.
Ultimately, rural-urban migration and the proliferation of street hawking in cities like Accra underscore the complex challenges that come with rapid urbanization. While hawking provides immediate relief for many migrants, it also highlights the need for more inclusive urban policies and better support systems for informal workers. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including investments in rural areas, better regulation of the informal sector, and the creation of more opportunities for formal employment. With the right policies in place, Ghana can better manage the complexities of urbanization while ensuring that both rural migrants and urban residents benefit from sustainable development.
